Question

Write each decimal number as a percent. $$3.58$$

Short answer

Question: Convert the decimal number 3.58 into a percentage representation. Answer: 358%

Step-by-step solution

Multiply the decimal number by 100

To convert the decimal number into a percentage, multiply it by 100. In this case, we have: $$3.58 \times 100$$

Calculate the result

Now, perform the multiplication: $$3.58 \times 100 = 358$$

Add the percent symbol

Finally, add the percent symbol (%) to the result: $$358\%$$ So, the decimal number $$3.58$$ can be represented as a percentage: $$358\%$$.

Key concepts

Decimal to Percent Conversion

Understanding how to convert decimals into percentages is a fundamental skill in mathematics and is quite straightforward. To begin with, remember that a decimal represents a part out of 100. When converting a decimal to a percent, you are essentially finding out how many parts out of 100 you have.

Here's an easy way to perform the conversion: multiply the decimal number by 100. By doing this, the decimal point moves two places to the right. For instance, converting the decimal 3.58 to a percent is as simple as multiplying it by 100, which gives us 358. To finalize the conversion, append the percent sign to the number. Hence, 3.58 as a percentage is 358%.

Step-by-Step Conversion

• Multiply the decimal number by 100.
• Shift the decimal point two places to the right.
• Add the percent symbol (%) at the end of the number.

Remember, the percent symbol indicates that the number is a rate per 100, which is why multiplying by 100 directly converts decimal numbers to their percentage counterparts.

Percentages in Mathematics

Percentages are incredibly useful in mathematics because they allow for the comparison of quantities in a standardized format. A percentage is a dimensionless ratio or fraction of a number per 100. It is denoted by the symbol %. Percentages are applied in a variety of contexts, from calculating interest rates and discounts to comparing the results of differing datasets and conducting probability estimations.

The concept of percentage is deeply rooted in proportions and ratios, which is fundamental to understanding parts of a whole in many real-life situations. When visualizing percentages, you can imagine filling a certain number of slots out of 100, which vividly represents how much of the whole you're talking about. By converting a decimal or fraction to a percentage, you can interpret the data as parts per 100, making it easier to understand and communicate.

Basic Arithmetic Operations

At the heart of decimal to percent conversion, and indeed nearly all mathematical computations, lie the basic arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These operations form the building blocks for higher-level math concepts.

Multiplication, for example, is used when converting decimals to percentages, as you multiply the decimal by 100. This basic operation allows us to shift the decimal point, transforming the decimal into its percentage form.

It's important to be proficient with these operations since they are not only necessary for converting measures but also for understanding the underlying principles of more complex mathematics. Mastery of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division enables students to solve a wide range of mathematical problems and serves as the foundation for algebra, geometry, calculus, and beyond.